Amending the Constitution

1. Objective- discuss the ways the
Constitution can, and has, been
changed over the past 200 years.

2. Content Vocab
 Ratify- to approve
 Petition- appeal to
 Impeach- to accuse federal officials
 Executive Agreement- made directly b/w
two leaders without Senate approval

3. Changing the Constitution
Through Amendments

4. The Amendment Process
 Article V of the Constitution outlines
the Amendment process

5. Proposing Amendments
Two Methods
1. A 2/3rds vote in both houses of
Congress (only method that has been
used)
2. A National Convention called by
Congress at request of 2/3rds of the
states (never been used)

6. Ratifying Amendments
Two Methods
1. 3/4ths of the states needed to ratify
the Amendment (used all but once)
2. Each state calls a convention and
3/4ths approve it (used only once- 21st
Amendment)

7. Informal Changes to the
Constitution

8. Changes Through Law
 Congress has changed the
Constitution by passing laws.
 Congress expanded the Executive
Branch by creating cabinet departments
 Congress expanded the Judicial Branch
by creating additional federal courts

9. Informal Presidential
Changes
1. Foreign Affairs- presidents conduct
foreign affairs by executive agreement
instead of a Treaty. Treaties require
Senate approval, executive agreements
do not.
2. Domestic Affairs- The Constitution
gives the executive power to carry out
laws, however, recently presidents
request legislation from Congress

10. Judicial Review
Judicial Restraint- the courts should avoid
taking initiative on social and political
questions
Judicial Activism- the courts should play a
role in shaping national policies (Example-
Warren Court from 1953-1969)

11. Changing Court Rulings
 Laws can be changed by overruling
previous court decisions
Example: Broad v Board of
Education,1954 overturned Plessey v
Ferguson, 1896
* Pro-lifers are still waiting for Roe v Wade
to be overturned*

12. Changes Through Customs and
Past Practice
Example: political parties are not
mentioned in the Constitution, but soon
after evolved and are now are an important
part of our government